Joe Mauer’sback problems are a “headache” for all concerned including fans who wonder if the 25-year-old batting champion should be moved from catcher to another position. Persistent inflammation in the lower back leaves anyone who has experienced years of back pain concerned about how Mauer will perform this season and beyond. Catcher seems the worst position Mauer could play.
The Twins-Cincinnati 6 p.m. game on Thursday will be telecast on FSN. Next Sunday’s noon game with St. Louis will air on WFTC, Ch. 29.
Kentucky, the school that Smith left to come here, didn’t make the NCAA tournament. ESPN broadcaster Brent Musburger, talking on a Big Ten Tournament telecast, said “shame” on Kentucky fans who were so critical of Smith when he was in Lexington.
Minneapolis Community Technical College coach Jay Pivec, whose team lost in the Division III junior college national championship game earlier this month, reported via e-mail that three of his players are receiving lots of interest from Division II four year schools but no commitments yet. The three are guard Sean Mayberry, and wings Cameron Hodges and Cortez Wallace. They helped the Mavericks to a 53-10 two-year record, according Pivec.
Pivec has been friends with Kansas coach Bill Self for years and the Jayhawks practiced at MCTC last Thursday morning when they were here for the NCAA tournament games at the Metrodome.
Five MIAC men’s basketball players were named to the D3hoops.com All-West Region team. Carleton senior forward Zach Johnson (Apple Valley, Minn./Eastview) was a first team All-Region selection. Bethel senior guard Tim Madson (Redwood Falls, Minn./Redwood Valley) and St. Thomas junior guard Joe Scott (St. Anthony, Minn./DeLaSalle) were second team selections. Augsburg senior forward Nate Alm (Eden Prairie, Minn.) and Concordia sophomore forward John Fraase (Bismarck, N.D./Century) were third team choices. St. Thomas head coach Steve Fritz, completing his 29th season, was chosen West Region Coach of the Year after his Tommies finished 30-1.
Zyg Kauls just finished his 42nd season as Mounds View head basketball coach. His team won the Suburban East Conference title and he plans to coach again next season.